Grand Coulee Dam
Chris Staples Lyrics
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Don't wanna know your secrets
Don't really wanna hear your lies
We could sit in solitude
February March April May and June
I've been predicting the weather
Contemplate the phases of the moon
Love's not letting go of you
New Year's Eve, 1964
Leaning over Grand Coulee Dam
Bottle of warm champagne
Wilted flowers in my hand
Uneasy look in your eye
Unwilling to let go
Honey you are afraid
Come stand beside me in the snow
Doesn't matter what you do
Love's not letting go of-
Doesn't matter what you do
Love's not letting go of-
Doesn't matter what you do
Love's not letting go of you
The opening lyrics of Chris Staples's song Grand Coulee Dam reveal the complex nature of human relationships, as Staples croons about the dichotomy between the devil and angel that lies within his lover's soul. He admits to being aware of her lies and secrets but finds himself drawn to her regardless. The following lines highlight the idea of finding solace in isolation, as Staples describes a scenario where he and his lover could sit together in peace, experiencing the passing of time and seasons. Despite the apparent peace, however, there is a sense of ennui and boredom, as evidenced by Staples's observation that he has been "predicting the weather" and "contemplating the phases of the moon."
The lyrics then transition into a flashback of sorts, taking the listener back to New Year's Eve in 1964, where Staples finds himself overlooking the Grand Coulee Dam with a bottle of champagne and wilted flowers. He is met with an uneasy expression from the person next to him, who is hesitant to let go of his hand. Staples implores his lover to stand by his side in the snow, afraid to let her go despite her reluctance.
Grand Coulee Dam is a melancholic yet hopeful exploration of love and relationships, with Staples exploring the ups and downs of a complex human connection. The imagery used throughout the song, from the phases of the moon to the Grand Coulee Dam, add to the poignancy of the lyrics, and the gentle yet powerful melody enhances the overall emotional impact of the piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Devil must have got your soul, but I see an angel when I look in your eyes
I know you've made mistakes in the past, but I still see the good in you.
Don't wanna know your secrets
I don't need to know everything about you to love you.
Don't really wanna hear your lies
I'd rather you be honest with me, even if it's painful.
We could sit in solitude
We don't need to be surrounded by people to enjoy each other's company.
February March April May and June
No matter the season, I'll still love you the same.
I've been predicting the weather
I've been trying to anticipate how our relationship will change over time.
Contemplate the phases of the moon
I've been reflecting on how our relationship, like the moon, waxes and wanes.
New Year's Eve, 1964
This is a specific moment in time that I will never forget.
Leaning over Grand Coulee Dam
I remember exactly where we were standing when this moment happened.
Bottle of warm champagne
We were celebrating, even if we didn't have the best resources available.
Wilted flowers in my hand
I may not have had the perfect gift, but I still wanted to show you how much I cared.
Uneasy look in your eye
I could see that you were worried or uncertain about something.
Unwilling to let go
I didn't want this moment to end.
Honey you are afraid
I could see that you were scared or nervous about something.
Come stand beside me in the snow
Even in difficult and uncomfortable situations, I want us to be together.
Doesn't matter what you do
Love's not letting go of you
No matter what happens in our relationship, I will never stop loving you.
Contributed by Ava N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Stroud
on Always On My Mind
I think is should be paperback and in Penguin paperback book.